This photo taken at Kyoto's "Senbon Torii" is one I can never bring myself to delete!

The place that my friends have asked about over 99 times is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto! That early morning, I ventured into this endless vermilion tunnel, where sunlight filtered through the gaps in the torii gates, casting dappled shadows, as if every step was a journey through time. Fox statues quietly guard this shrine; they are said to be messengers of the deity Inari, bringing good luck and a bountiful harvest. I followed the winding torii gates all the way up, and when I looked back, the view of Kyoto slowly unfolded before my eyes—this photo captures my most romantic encounter with a thousand-year-old Kyoto.

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🌟 Super practical travel guide:

1. Transportation tips (save money and convenience)

· From Kyoto Station: The best option is to take the JR Nara Line (local train) to "Inari Station," about a 5-minute ride, with a one-way fare of around 150 yen (about 7 RMB). The shrine entrance is right outside the station—super convenient!
· From Gion Shijo: You can take the Keihan train to "Fushimi Inari Station," then walk 5 minutes to the shrine. Along the way, you'll pass traditional shopping streets full of Kyoto charm.
· Avoid this pitfall: Although city buses also go there, they are prone to traffic jams and delays of over 20 minutes, so not recommended.

2. Best visiting time & route

· Be sure to get up early! The shrine is open 24 hours, but it’s best to arrive before 7 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy soft lighting perfect for photos. When we left at 8 AM, the entrance was already packed with people.
· Classic route: Start by worshipping at the main hall → enter the Senbon Torii and begin the climb → reach the Yotsutsuji intersection (an excellent viewpoint overlooking Kyoto) → continue up to the summit. The whole walk takes about 2-3 hours, so wear comfortable shoes!

3. Budget reference (in RMB, for reference only)

· Admission: Free! Entry is free here.
· Transportation: Round-trip JR fare from Kyoto Station is about 14 RMB.
· Food & drink: Inari sushi and matcha ice cream at the shopping street at the base are popular, costing about 30-50 RMB per person.
· Souvenirs: Unique fox ema plaques or omamori charms cost about 30-60 RMB.
· Guided experience: For a deeper exploration, there is an English-speaking hidden route hiking experience at Fushimi Inari (including lunch), with a budget of about 500 RMB per person.
· Total daily budget: For a relaxed visit, expenses can be kept within 200-300 RMB per person (excluding guided experience).

4. Helpful tips

· Dress: Be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes, as there are slopes and steps to climb.
· Blessings: Don’t forget to try the Omokaru-Ishi wishing stones—if the stone feels light, your wish might come true.
· Exploration: If you have extra time, follow a guide to explore the tranquil bamboo groves and small shrines on the back mountain, a secret spot rarely visited by tourists.

At Fushimi Inari, every photo is a dialogue with light, shadow, and history. What story will your photo capture?